Not bad for a guy who wasn’t even on the pre-season All-ACC team. Who should totally be crashing the Heisman Ceremony on Saturday as a special correspondent for ESPN just to create tremendous awkward comedy.
But, no. Aaron Donald has something else on his mind for the weekend.
Just like Donald has been all season and how he plans to be starting Friday when Pitt will begin preparing for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Dec. 26 against Bowling Green.
“I’m real excited to get back in that film room and start studying Bowling Green and get ready to play another game,” Donald said. “Even though it’s cold (in Pittsburgh), I’m missing it.”
The week-long awards sweep even got Coach Paul Chryst to break out his highest praise.
“It wasn’t just one flash,” Pitt coach Paul Chryst said. “He kept producing and word got out and I think he did it in big moments.
“I thought it was really neat to see the people really took note of what he did on the field. I thought he earned it the old fashioned way or the right way by what he did on the field.”
When Coach Chryst breaks out the “neat,” you know it’s something special.
Maybe the ACC Network will hire Dravon’s mom to be a commentator during the broadcasts. She can’t be worse than the ones they have now.
Meanwhile, Aaron’s mom should be featured in every possible Pitt marketing program—yelling “Hail to Pitt” when Aaron received his awards.
H2P and H2AD
Conner wasn’t recruited by anybody to be a RB and he turned out fine.
Pitt was a couple plays away from 8 and 4. Give Chryst some time.
I like how Donald said Chryst is building something special. Why would a Wannstedt recruit want to plug Chryst…. because Chryst is a good coach.
I’m still not enamored with the House hire, but maybe this one year will help him get the experience he needed.
Anyway… I predict a beatdown of Bowling Green. They beat a good MAC team in Northern Illinois… big friggin whoop. I bet you Savage and Donald have great nights. Remember we got our two Clairton boys back for the game.
H2P
I’ve read from some posters that Pitt should have declined their invitation to even play in a bowl game this year, what a LOSER’S attitude. What does Aaron say last night, that he was anxious to get back home and into the film room to begin preparing for his next game. That my friends is the correct attitude, the attitude of a champion.
It’s Coach Chryst’s job now to impress that same attitude on every player in that room, to instill in them that same dedication. Losing this one is NOT AN OPTION. Appreciate the GAME, respect the OPPONENT, then go out there the day after Christmas and pummel the Fighting Falcons into the turf for Aaron, probably the most elite football player that these guys will ever have the prevlege to call their teammate. Win this one for Aaron.
Hail to Pitt!
It has been a pleasure watching him and I am proud that he is a PITT Panther. He has brought much needed positivity to the program. Best of all is how he has succeeded…hard work, determination and perseverance.
It is impressive to see AD selected for all these awards! Now let’s end the Donald era with a bowl game win. I look forward to the number retirement ceremony in a few years!!
and say come to pitt you could be next.
Not much more to say, few comments on Blather because there is no controversy, Donald is the best in the Country! The Outland Trophy Baby! Not since Mark May, not since Hugh Green have we had such a performance.
Neat suggestion Dr. Tom, we need to win this one for Aaron.
Chryst and House need to leverage this success to recruit some Aaron wannabes.
Let’s Go Pitt
Amazing Aaron Donald an All-American, ACC Defensive player of the year, and four national awards! Aaron has proved anytthing is possible at Pitt. Let’s hope we finish 7-6.
Hail to Pitt today and always!
Keep the negative posts off this thread, this is all about an unbelievably great story for the program and AD!
Broke a bone in his throwing hand on 10/14 but returned just in time for the state playoffs. Obviously didn’t seem to hinder his performance much.
It’s unbelievable that a guy wins essentially ALL the national defensive awards he’s eligible for, but is not considred a serious candidate for the Heisman, or even invited to NY. I don’t know why the Heisman is still considered the award for the top player of the year, all it’s been as long as I can remember is the award for the best QB or RB on a top 10 team. It was a crime when Hugh Green didn’t win, but at least he was invited to the festivities. Heisman committe should be ashamed of themselves.
And just because I enjoy saying it so much, Hail to Donald!
anound 43 or 44th player taken in the draft.
It would be truly fitting if the team manned up to win his final game at Pitt.
All the best to you, Aaron.
H2P!!!
What’s the story? Is the BG coach going to stay for the bowl
I am sure Aaron learned a thing or two from his coach.
They should have pictures of him in the weight room, in the film room and a little #97 on every locker!
Wait, I thought we were a BBall school, or a Running Back factory? H 2 AD!
Thank You, Aaron!! (from another proud Pitt alumnus)
*Two “A”s required to spell his name.
*Two star recruit.
*Too short.
*Too small.
*Too dedicated
*Too quick.
*Two guys required to block him.
*Too frickin AMAZING!!
*Too many post season accolades, just kidding.
*Too bad he’s a Senior.
*Two more years before his jersey # is retired.
When you have a spare 5 minutes, watch the video link below. Aaron Donald is just T O O much!
BTW, here is the list of guys that will be asked to fill those T W O very large shoes left in our defensive line by Aaron’s departure. Coach them up Chryst cause Mr. Donald is an extremely difficult act to follow, don’t you think?
Tyrique Jarrett 6-3/340lb RS FR
Jeremiah Taleni 6-2/300lb RS FR (our Hawaii connection)
Darrye Render 6-2/285 JR
K.K. Mosley-Smith 6-0/305lb RS JR (2nd chance kid)
LaQuentin Smith 6-2/275lb SR (we need you to step up next year)
Mike Herndon 6-4/323lb 2014 Recruit (Recruited as OT but might get moved to DL since he played both ways in HS)
devin street is listed as the 110th best which is top of fourth round.
Then place one in State College, just for grins.
As for recruiting. I have my own system on recruiting. It’s called the Wins and Losses method. You can use it if you like, I have no patent on it.
Next year, is year three already.
Sorry but actually DM was picked in the first round in ’83.
You are probably remembering that he was picked after several other QB’s in that first round. Without looking it up, who can name them all picked ahead of Dan?
Hope he is able to play in Detroit.
Doesn’t have a lot of stars, if you’re into that kind of thing. I think it came down to Pitt and Minnesota. Had an offer from USF. Guess there was some interest from the B1G schools, but no offers other than Minnesota.
I went to all the major sports websites repeatedly thinking “donald is THE man but it was actually hard to find news about him.
1-John Elway
7-Todd Blackledge
14-Jim Kelly
15-Tony Eason
24-Ken O’Brien
27-Dan Marino
The only guy who never really lived up to his potential in this group was Blackledge, IMO. The note I found interesting about Marino’s pick is that the Steelers passed on him in the first round at pick #21. Guess that was a lose-lose situation! I wonder if Danny would have been wearing a Super Bowl ring if the Steelers had picked him up rather than the Dolphins?
Back to the Panthers bowl game preps, I read that BGSU has finals all next week so they aren’t even really beginning their gameplan for the Pitt game until a week prior to the bowl. Considering the turmoil with the coaching staff moving on to Wake Forest and Dave Clawson confirmed NOT to be returning to coach the Fighting Falcons in that game, those factors have to be viewed as positive variables in Pitt’s favor.
House has taken a lot of grief about his first year’s performance as DC. I sure hope that he ends the season on an upnote with a solid defensive performance against Bowling Green. If we do shut Johnson and Co. down, it would be only fair to recognise that accomplishment since they have produced prolific stats in the MAC this season. My guess however, even if Pitt’s defense is successful, is that the rationalization from the naysayers will be, “yeah but it was only Bowling Green”, which would be unfair.
Getting that performance out of Pitt’s defense however will be the key to victory. I’m feeling our offense will be able to put up adequate numbers to win the game without major difficulty, especially with Orndoff and Street back, which should happen. but Pitt’s D has to shut down the Falcon’s O to win this game.
Hail to Pitt!
If they make those two picks they probably win three more super bowls.
I am still worried about Street, he was pretty banged up. He is the biggest difference maker after Donald. When he and our freshmen superman are on the field together they are twice as good.
Watched the Duke highlights again, best game of the season. The offense was amazing, Street and Boyd made multiple circus catches, great throws by Savage, bulldozer runs by Conner.
Even though the D gave up many points they only show the great Defensive plays of which there were quite a few, three interceptions and multiple sacks by Donald, great plays by Thomas.
And of course the Coup de grace, Savage to Weatherspoon.
Many were disappointed at the time, it was only Duke, but a huge victory against a very good team.
But…The Cardiac Hill Blog did some analysis and wouldn’t you know it…he basically held the ship steady.
For any that don’t agree…read on. You might be surprised.
I went to the archives to review the comments during an after the FSU game.
Hind sight is 20/20, but some very funny things were said: “Don’t put them in the National Championship game yet”
Many were not astute enough to recognize the greatness of Winston, wanting so much to bash the Panthers. Well tonight he will win the Heisman.
They may not win the Championship (I think they will), they have not played as tough a schedule as Auburn. They haven’t even been tested.
I blasted Cook and Smizek for their comments, I still think they are ignorant jerks.
They were the only team that blew us off the field. They are the best team in the Country.
Reports are that Saban is getting 7+ million.
I’ll take 22 Aaron Donalds.
Problem is, most 2’s and 3’s don’t turn into Aaron Donalds.
Let’s not whistle through the graveyard when it comes to recruiting.
We have got to consistently have better and better recruiting classes if we’re ever gonna be a top 20 team.
Simple stuff really. The bigger, faster, stronger and quicker you are, the better your team is.
I often, actually always stipulate, when talking about the recruiting “stars”, that most of us know it’s a flawed system at times, many 5’s fail, and some 2’s succeed. No doubt about that.
It’s only a barometer. Couldn’t agree more.
There is definitely a place for non-highly recruited kids. Kids that make themselves into a power player. Kids that have heart, grit, determination. Certainly love to have those guys on my team.
Make no mistake though. Your team wins, when you have the better horses.
I’m no proponent of the “star” system or anything.
Like I said above, I have my own recruiting service.
Wins and losses.
Very important game.
Just for me personally. Win and take care of business, I probably look forward to spring ball.
Get blown off the field, probably gonna pull out the S.O.P. crap. I won’t be alone.
Show me Panthers!! Show me you’re taking this game seriously. Show me you’re prepared. Show me you’re fired up. Show me you want to finish the season off right with a win.
Coaches, show me you’ve prepared the team for all of the above.
It’s all in front of you still.
I would love nothing more than to be shown these things!!!
I always have to laugh when some people come on and say Pitt fans are negative, or are negative on here.
I can tell you right now, what the comments are gonna be, right after the bowl game.
If Pitt wins, most will be talking about the spring, who’s qb next year, what’s recruiting look like etc. etc.
If they get beat, gonna be mostly negative.
It’s not that difficult to understand.
Now I will tell what isn’t neat. A recruiting class ranked in the high 30s and low 40s. That isn’t neat at all. Let us all hope that PC and company can finish strong with this class.